뉴잉글랜드 역사의 재생산:『주홍 글자』의 경우

The Scarlet Letter shows the social situation of the period in which the work was written. Traditionally The Scarlet Letter has been regarded as a text that vividly describes the 17th century Puritan age. The fidelity to New England's history, however, may be broken when we consider Hawthorne's great concern about his contemporary world. This text is, in fact, closely related to the social and political concerns of the author's historical periods. This includes the Whig victory over the Democrats in the U.S., the French Revolution in 1848 and subsequent European revolutions. European radicalism was considered as social disorder and chaos to conservative Democratic members. Against the threat of revolutionary activities, Hawthorne's text reacts with anti-radical mechanism including the creation of mythic Puritans, the historically inaccurate usage of the scaffold, and the adoption of the English Civil War time frame. Additionally, the narrator frequently disapproves the abrupt change and expects the restoration of order. Briefly, The Scarlet Letter demonstrates a skepticism about revolutionary reform in America and this reveals that history can be rewritten by his-story within the context of the author's age and culture. Roland Joffe's film reveals itself to be constructed under the social circumstances of mass audience culture, despite its seemingly faithful revival of the landscape of the 17th century New England. Cinematic images are inseparable from conventions and cultural practices of Hollywood. Many scenes are included and changed to the tastes of the 20th century consumers. Through many cinematic apparatus The Scarlet Letter provokes Schaulust( visual pleasure) and a drive for mastery and punishment. Additionally Joffe's film strongly emphasizes the value of family and offers the promising vision to the nation, which ultimately contributes to maintain American society. In this context, Joffe's film rewrites the history of New England and rehistoricizes Hawthorne's text.